Search CROPSYS

5919. Rogers, P. and R.D. Roe. 1986. Effects on soil erosion and wildlife habitat potential of changing to higher residue crops in the intermediate precipitation zone, Whitman Co., WA.. unpublished paper.Effects on soil erosion and wildlife habitat potential of changing to higher residue crops in the intermediate precipitation zone of Whitman County, WA. Soil erosion in the intermediate precipitation zone has been identified as more severe than zones with more or less precipitation. An example 960 ac farm in the intermediate precipitation zone is used to predict the effect of increased crop residue on soil erosion and wildlife habitat. Increased crop residue use by continuous cropping in this zone in Whitman Co. will reduce ave. annual sheet and rill erosion on an example 960 ac farm from 12 T/ac to 5 T/ac by changing from wheat-barley-fallow rotation to one of 4 years each of grain and grass. The wildlife habitat potential would increase to 62.5% of optimum potential from a previous low of 12.5%. The result is reduced soil erosion and improved habitat for wildlife. T: predicted sheet and rill erosion; comparison of present wheat-barley-fallow rotation with a rotation of 4 yr spring grain and 4 yr grass.